Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel is a common neurological disorder that occurs in the wrist, effecting

the hand. It currently affects around 3 to 6 percent of the UK adult population

currently. With the number of people working from home and behind desks (without

the necessary ergonomic set up) for prolonged periods of time it is predicted that the

number of cases of Carpal tunnel syndrome will continue to rise. Therefore, it is

important we become aware of what it is and how we can prevent it from happening

to us.

You may be asking ‘how do I know if I have carpal tunnel? And what causes it?’

Carpal tunnel occurs when our median nerve becomes compressed as it enters our

hand through the wrist (on the palmer side of the hand) underneath our carpal tunnel

(a layer of connective tissue). The carpal tunnel also allows passage of a variety of

tendons that allow wrist and finger flexion, and it is these structures that can

compress the median nerve. When the nerve becomes compressed it can cause a

change of sensation such as pins and needles, and numbness, with potential pain

and weakness to the thumb, index and middle finger. In chronic cases where carpal

tunnel has not been addressed it can lead to muscle wasting to occur in the hand.

Carpal tunnel is usually due to a variety of factors such as:

 Repetitive strain – use of vibrating tools, mouse and keyboard, etc.

 Trauma – direct impact or repetitive impact to the wrist

 Rheumatoid arthritis and/or arthritic diseases

 Women are 3 times for likely to develop carpal tunnel than men.

 Mechanical restrictions in the wrist

 Pregnancy and menopause

 Increased age

Now, carpal tunnel can be managed at home through self-care, but this can take

months! The best course of action is to get it examined and looked at by a

professional such as ourselves (Osteopath). Here we will carry out a variety of tests

to not only see if it is carpal tunnel but further what might be causing it. Following this

we will be able to suggest treatment methods, stretches and exercises, and other

advice on how to further care and help restore the wrist back to normal.

By George Berrett M.Ost